The day finally arrived for the new SILGRANIT sink and
Quartz countertops.
We have never, in all the many, many years we have been married and owned houses, done such a renovation to a kitchen! I know, so many people gut and renovate (almost at the drop of a hat, it seems…) but for us this was truly a first. We have painted, we have had new appliances, we’ve installed new lighting but this is the first time I have actually chosen a new sink and countertop!

This is the now-gone Corian counter and sink.

Oh that sink…it never got really clean.
And, ta da, here is the new one:
But, of course, it’s not just the new sink that is SO fabulous, but the new countertops.
We chose Viatera ‘Minuet’ Quartz. Yes, it looks a lot like marble, doesn’t it? But I definitely did not want marble and was not crazy about the granite choices. Our center island is granite, but it’s dark and looks wonderful. I’m not a fan of the lighter granite colors as they show so much grain and pattern. So we looked at many, many quartz styles. Caesarstone and Silestone are the best known brands of Quartz but you definitely will pay more just for the name.
We went to Schneider Stone (ask for Susan in Chapel Hill…you will just love her!) as we had for the island. Their prices were good and the labor is excellent.
As you may notice, some of the grout is missing above the quartz backsplash. The subway tiles are not quite level, so all that has to be remedied when the painter comes. Oh yes….next up is painting the cabinets. Now they look SO dingy and yellowed and old with the new counters. And, I’m lightening up the gray walls: six years and now the color seems too heavy.
Here is the old gray Corian:
A work in progress:
And the new Quartz:
That’s it for now. More to come! Paint, new hardware and new under cabinet lights and we will be finished!!
Beautiful choices, Libby. That’s just the kind of counter top I would like some day: quartz that looks like marble. Do you like a divided sink? We have one now in stainless steel and that divider is my pet peeve. I look forward to the day when we can change out our counters and sink. For now, I live vicariously through you. Looking forward to more posts on your kitchen!
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Claudia: Well,yes, I/we love the divided sink. I know, it’s very controversial! I really like having the drainer inside the right sink and not on the counter. And, now, with this larger and deeper sink the left hand section is plenty big for pots, cookie sheets etc. I know, we waited years for this and I am in love!
Looks gorgeous, Libby!
You will definitely have to come and see. Jacques is painting next week!
Looks great Libby. I know you’ll enjoy.
Susie recently posted…In A Vase On Monday—Choices
Can’t wait to see the finished product.
Hi Julie! How are you? It’s been hot hot hot as I’m sure you know…but all is well here. Come and see when you get back!
In a word, LOVE! Those countertops are gorge and the sink is perfect. I’m so envious of your progress and it makes me itch to get started on our project which will have similar countertops and a gray sink :D Great minds think alike. You hit all the notes on this one. Nicely done.
P
Pamela recently posted…Creating A Coastal Bedroom
Pam: Well, you are right about the Silgranit: love love. What a difference. When they finished the total installation I just couldn’t stop running my hands over it all and saying how much I loved it!!! Looking forward to seeing all your changes too…
What a difference! It really brightened up your kitchen. I can’t wait to see your progress.
Cyndi recently posted…What’s Your Design Style?
I have THAT SOAP at the sink!LOVE THE ITALIAN VESSEL.
YOUR KITCHEN LOOKS SMASHING!
LA CONTESSA recently posted…THE BIRTHDAY PARTY!
I love the new sink it must be so much more practicable! The new counter top must make the kitchen too look so much lighter. Sarah x
Sarah: Yes, the entire kitchen is brighter. But, of course, the old white on the cabinets looks awful…so tht’s the next step. Never ending I guess!!!
Your kitchen is looking so lovely, Libby! Love all your choices. We have the same blanco sink and I wouldn’t have anything else. We’ve installed it in 2 homes now. Enjoy all this beauty!
xx
Hi Heather: It’s even better than I imagined! (especially compared to the old white Corian!) We will be doing work in the next few weeks, so do check back. Just love seeing all your images and storied from the Amalfi Coast! sigh…